12-year RI for two in drug trafficking case in Mandi
The Court of Special Judge (I), Mandi, Mandi district, today sentenced two persons to 12 years’ of rigorous imprisonment (RI) for trafficking in narcotic substances.
The accused, Om Prakash and Satish Kumar, alias Bicchu, were found guilty under Section 20(b)(ii)(c) and Section 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. They were also fined Rs 1,20,000 each, with an additional sentence of one year and two months of simple imprisonment in case of the non-payment of the fine.
According to District Attorney Mandi, Vinod Bhardwaj, who led the prosecution, the incident dates back to December 17, 2020. Police officials from the Balh police station were on routine patrol when they stopped an Alto car, driven by Om Prakash. On trying to avoid the police, Prakash was detained, raising suspicion among the cops that he might be carrying something illegal.
A search of the vehicle uncovered a bluish-black backpack containing a white carry bag, which held several pouches of what appeared to be charas. The substance weighed 4.030 kg. The police seized the pouches and the vehicle, and an FIR was filed at the Balh police station on December 18, 2020.
Further investigation revealed the involvement of Satish Kumar, alias Bicchu, and both accused were charged accordingly. The prosecution presented evidence from 25 witnesses during the trial, and the case was argued in detail on October 16, 2024. The court convicted the accused on November 11, 2024, and after considering the arguments on sentencing, delivered the sentence today.
